Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Inland.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Friday: Light winds. Alpine temp around -6. Light snow.Saturday: Light to moderate NW winds. Freezing level at valley bottom. Very light snow, tapering off and partly clearing.Sunday: Moderate S winds. Freezing level at valley bottom. Light snow starting late in the day.
Avalanche Summary
A size 2 glide slab released on an east aspect last weekend. No other recent avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
A shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets continuing to develop while arctic cold air prevails. Strong winds have scoured some SE aspects in the alpine to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 4
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 5